Nerve Injury in Chicago, IL
A nerve injury can be devastating for hand function and quality of life. Peripheral nerve surgery of the hand can be an effective solution for patients experiencing symptoms such as pain, weakness, and limited hand movement. This procedure is designed to correct the root cause of these problems, offering hope for an improved outcome and a fresh start.
Fellowship-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Lindsay E. Janes understands the challenges of peripheral nerve injury. She believes that our patients deserve to reclaim their lives with full hand strength and function. Dr. Janes offers advanced solutions to correct the root cause of the problem, including revision peripheral nerve surgery in highly complex cases.
What Is Peripheral Nerve Surgery?
Peripheral nerve surgery is a specialized procedure used to repair or restore function to damaged nerves in the hand, arm, or upper extremity. These nerves control movement, sensation, and coordination, so when they are damaged, even routine daily tasks can become challenging.
Based on the cause and severity, treatment may involve relieving pressure on the nerve, repairing damaged areas, or reconstructing nerve pathways to restore communication between the brain and muscles. The goal is to improve strength, reduce pain, and restore as much normal function as possible
Problems a Peripheral Nerve Injury Can Cause
Peripheral nerve surgery treats damage from injuries, compression, tumors, or other medical conditions. Nerves control movement, sensation, and coordination, especially in your hands and arms. When they stop working properly, surgery can restore function and improve your daily life.
You might need peripheral nerve surgery if you experience:
- Persistent Pain: If nerve-related pain doesn’t improve with rest, medication, or therapy, surgical intervention may help. Or, you could need revision peripheral nerve surgery if a prior procedure didn’t provide adequate relief.
- Hand or Arm Weakness: You may struggle with everyday tasks like gripping a pen, carrying a bag, or turning a doorknob if your nerves don’t function correctly.
- Numbness or Tingling: These sensations often mean nerves are compressed or injured. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome commonly cause this issue.
- Limited Movement: A reduced ability to move your hand or fingers may signal nerve damage that surgery can relieve.
- Unusual Sensations: Burning, shocking, or “electric” feelings in your hand could point to nerve problems that need surgical attention.
- Traumatic Injury: If you cut or crush a nerve during an accident, immediate surgical repair can help restore function.
What Happens During Peripheral Nerve Surgery
Dr. Janes starts with a detailed evaluation to pinpoint the problem. She examines your hand or arm, uses advanced imaging, and orders nerve and muscle testing when needed.
After identifying the cause, she creates a customized surgical plan. Depending on your condition, Dr. Janes may:
- Release pressure on a nerve (nerve decompression)
- Repair a damaged nerve using healthy donor tissue (nerve graft)
- Remove scar tissue that blocks nerve signals (neurolysis)
- Redirect a healthy nerve to restore lost function (nerve transfer)
Each procedure targets your specific symptoms and aims to restore movement, strength, and sensation.
What You Can Gain from Peripheral Nerve Surgery
Peripheral nerve surgery helps you:
- Get relief from chronic pain
- Regain strength in your hand or arm
- Recover lost movement
- Restore sensation
- Avoid further nerve damage
Dr. Janes walks you through every step of the process. She also builds a recovery plan that includes physical therapy and pain management to help you heal and regain control.
Who Is a Candidate for Peripheral Nerve Surgery?
Patients with lasting symptoms that disrupt normal function and do not improve with conservative approaches may be candidates for peripheral nerve surgery. A thorough evaluation helps determine whether surgical intervention is the most effective option.
Candidates may include those who have:
- Persistent pain that does not respond to medication or therapy
- Weakness affecting grip strength or arm function
- Numbness or tingling that continues or worsens over time
- Limited movement in the hand, fingers, or arm
- Nerve injuries caused by trauma, compression, or prior surgery
Treatment decisions are based on the severity of the condition, overall health, and functional goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should a Nerve Injury Be Treated Surgically?
Surgical treatment may be considered when symptoms persist despite non-surgical care or when there is clear evidence of nerve damage that is unlikely to heal on its own. Early intervention is often important in traumatic injuries to help preserve function and prevent long-term complications.
Can Nerve Damage Heal Without Surgery?
Some mild nerve injuries may improve over time with rest, therapy, and other non-surgical treatments. However, more severe damage, such as complete nerve disruption or ongoing compression, often requires surgical repair to restore function and relieve symptoms.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Peripheral Nerve Surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the type of procedure and the extent of the nerve injury. Nerve healing is gradual, and it may take several months to notice improvement in sensation and movement. Rehabilitation and follow-up care play an important role in achieving the best possible outcome.
Why Choose Dr. Lindsay E. Janes for Peripheral Nerve Surgery?
Dr. Lindsay E. Janes has advanced training in hand and peripheral nerve surgery, with a focus on restoring function in complex upper extremity conditions. She earned her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and completed her plastic surgery residency at the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University. She further specialized through a fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania, where she gained extensive experience in nerve repair, nerve transfer, and brachial plexus reconstruction.
As an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Dr. Janes is actively involved in research, clinical care, and surgical education. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and presented nationally on nerve reconstruction and functional recovery, bringing a high level of expertise to patients with nerve injuries.
Schedule a Peripheral Nerve Surgery Consultation
If you still struggle with nerve-related symptoms, Dr. Janes can help. She brings advanced surgical skill and experience to every case and focuses on helping you move, feel, and live better. Call (312) 695-6022 to schedule your consultation.